19 things to do in Calgary this weekend: March 11 and 12

Mar 11 2017, 4:40 am

No matter what you’re in the mood for, there are lots of things happening around Calgary this weekend.

From the last weekend of Big Taste to great plays around town.

See also

Go skating outdoors

  • What: Now that winter seems to have finally settled in for the long haul, it’s time for the winter activities to commence. Grab a few friends, some hot chocolate and bundle up in your warmest, yet stylish winter attire and go skating on one of Calgary’s many outdoor rinks that are well maintained by either the city or volunteers within the community. Don’t own a pair of skates? Rent a pair at your nearest outdoor center or at specific rinks around the city – see website more for details!
  • Where: Various rinks throughout Calgary
  • Cost: FREE

The Big Taste Foodie Festival

  • What: Foodie’s rejoice! YYC’s favourite foodie festival is back for another year! Between March 3 and 12 some of Calgary’s best restaurants will be offering up three and five-course fix price menus for every meal of the day. Restaurants are sorted by price point, so you can be sure to expect more than a few options no matter what your budget may be. At the same time, there will also be various one-time only, signature events happening around the city, such as Canada’s tribute Dinner at The Guild, The Winemaker’s Dinner at the Deane House, the Reunion Dinner at Catch and more!
  • Where: Various locations around Calgary. See participating restaurants here.
  • When: March 3 to 12
  • Cost: Varies depending on the location and menu. See website for more details!

Check out WinSport’s Acura Tube Park

  • What: Calgary’s only tube park is the largest of its kind in Western Canada and it opens for the season on Saturday, December 17. The park is located on the main hill, which allows tubers to take advantage of the washrooms, eateries, retail store and other amenities located in the Frank King Day Lodge. It features 10 lanes, each of which are 200 metres in length.
  • Where: WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park – 88 Canada Olympic Road SW

BOOM

  • What: Written and performed by Rick Miller, this solo performance archives key events that shaped the 25 years that make up the Baby Boomer generation. From the Atomic Bomb all the way to the Apollo 11 landing the first people on the Moon and all of the significant events, influential politicians, activists and musicians in between, this impactful show covers it all in a unique, educational yet entertaining way!
  • Where: Eric Harvie Theatre
  • When: March 11
  • Cost: $25

The Black and White Ball

  • What: Teleport back to the roaring 20’s and come party with Decidedly Jazz at their annual fundraiser, The Black and White Ball! This black and white affair will have you dancing the night away to the sounds of the famous local band, Penguins on Broadway and other dazzling musical performances, while you test your luck in their silent auction or bid on balloons full of magical surprises. Don’t be fooled by the name, this is no average party. Prepare yourself for a wild night, great dance moves and eclectic fashion – in all forms. There ain’t no party, quite like a DJD party!
  • Where: The Fairmont Palliser- 133 9th Avenue SW
  • When: March 11
  • Cost: $95-$120

Learn to Ski/Snowboard at Never Ever Days

  • What: Is learning to ski/ snowboard something that has always been on your bucket list, but never gets ticked off? Skiing/ snowboarding can be a large investment and be a bit intimidating for those who haven’t been shredding POW since you were 5 years old. For only in the Never Ever Day’s ultimate beginners package you can rent all the equipment that you need, along with a beginner lift ticket and a lesson all included for only $25 on select days at resorts across Canada. This is the perfect opportunity to see if the sport is right for you!
  • Where: Over 70 participating resorts across Canada
  • When: Throughout the 2016/17 Season
  • Cost: $25

The Urban Jungle Book

  • What: Michael is a foster kid with a vivid imagination. Whenever the world gets a bit much for him, he retreats into the amazing world inside his head, and the people in his life become the characters from his favourite story – The Jungle Book. But when Michael’s real father comes back to claim him, his world is turned upside down and he must find the courage to live in the real world and find the true meaning of family. The Urban Jungle Book is recommended for ages six and up.
  • Where: Storybook Theatre – Beddington Heights Theatre  – 375 Bermuda Drive NW
  • When: Now until March 18
  • Cost: $22.05

Johnston Canyon Ice Walk

  • What: The National Geographic Traveller Magazine named Banff one of it’s “Best of the World” destinations for 2017, making us Albertans very proud of our hidden little secret, that is no longer very hidden. With your free 2017 Park Pass, head up to Banff for a day trip or a weekend get away and check out some of the beauty it has to offer. This Ice Walk is located only a few minutes away from the Town of Banff, and will take you take you through the frozen waterfalls of Johnston’s Canyon and is a breathtaking experience that you that will leave you in awe of nature’s capacities. Be sure to dress in proper winter gear – it will be a bit chilly!
  • Where: Hotel pick up and drop off provided from Banff
  • Cost: Adult (13 and up) $68, Child (8-12) $42

Eric Church – Holdin’ My Own Tour

  • What: The ‘Mr.misunderstood’ country heartthrob, who is famous for his shades and classic ball cap, is once again coming to rock the Saddledome. Known for hits, such as Springsteen, Kill a Word, Record Year and Give Me Back My Hometown, he will be sure to give you a performance that will leave you listening to his songs on repeat for weeks after the concert, as he always does!
  • Where: The Scotiabank Saddledome
  • When: March 11
  • Cost: $38-$94

Little Modern Market: Winter Edition

  • What: Spend an afternoon sipping on coffee from Calgary Heritage Roasting Co. and browse the many local vendors that will be attending the Winter Edition of Little Modern Market. Each day will also have a different selection of local artists and makers, so you could even make a whole weekend out of it!
  • Where: Earl Grey Golf Club – 6540 20 Street SW
  • When: March 11 and 12
  • Cost: $5 one day pass, $8 weekend pass – Cash only!

Dog Sledding in Canmore

One of the most ancient, and still very practical, means of transportation in frigid climates, dog sledding is an activity Canada is famous for. Luckily for us, a short drive away in Canmore there are three different companies that offer dog sledding tours in the scenic Rocky Mountains.

Howling Dog Tours, Mad Dogs & Englishmen Expeditions, and Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours all offer incredible, personalized experiences. Try out a tour this winter and take part in a long standing Canadian tradition.

They can be reached by phone at:

A Thousand Splendid Suns

  • What: Based on the bestselling novel by the author of The Kite Runner, this hauntingly beautiful story reveals the strength of the human spirit. In war-torn Afghanistan, two women are brought together by fate and cruelty. Together they will forge an unlikely friendship that leads to an act of unbreakable love.
  • Where: Max Bell Theatre – 220 9 Avenue SE
  • When: Now until April 1
  • Cost: $55 – $106

Hit the Slopes

  • Begin your New Year by crossing off that pesky “get in shape” goal that seems to weasel it’s way onto your list of resolution’s every year, by hitting the slopes and spending some time in the good ol’ outdoors. There is no better feeling then coming home with rosy cheeks and lungs filled with fresh mountain air as you spend quality time with friends and family. Take a road trip and spend the day skiing or snowboarding at one of Alberta’s best hills, Sunshine Village, Lake Louise, Nakiska or Mount Norquay, or make a weekend out of it by renting a cabin in the heart of the mountains. Be sure to check the websites to see what exciting events are happening on each hill throughout the month.

Star Trek: The Starfleet Academy

  • What: Calling all Trekkies! Having opened on February 4, Star Trek: The Starfleet Academy Experience will be at TELUS Spark until June 4, 2017. Upon entering the exhibit, you’ll become a Starfleet Academy cadet recruit.
  • Where: TELUS Spark – 220 St. George’s Drive NE
  • When: Now until June 4, 2017
  • Cost: Adults $29.95

Go sledding!

There are a number of hills around Calgary that are perfect for sledding! Grab your crazy carpet, (or the more intense, GT racer) some friends, and head to a hill for some fun!

Where: Check out a hill close to you or go to a local City Maintained hill
Things to remember: Tobogganing is an activity that you do at your own risk, and helmets are always recommended!

Cheer on the Calgary Hitmen

  • What: The Hitmen have worked hard this season! Come show them some love and cheer them on in their four home games this March. Use the promo code “teen” when buying your tickets to the March 12th Hitmen Game and $2 of your purchase will be donated to the Distress Centre’s ConnecTeen Program.
  • Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
  • When: Sunday, March 12 at 4:00pm vs. Edmonton

Go Curling outside

  • Where: St Patricks Island has set up a curling lane for public use so everyone can try their hand at the game. You can play in teams, as pairs, or even make up your own rules (just don’t tell anyone)
  • Where: St Patricks Island – 430 8th Avenue SE
  • When: Daily 9am to 7pm until the end of March

Red & White Calgary Comic and Toy Expo

  • What: Do collect comics, records, toys and more? Then this expo will be a gold mine for you!
  • Where: Red & White Club, McMahon Stadium – 1833 Crowchild Trail NW
  • When: March 12
  • Cost: 12 and under FREE, 12 and up $5

Go for brunch!

  • You can never go wrong with Sunday brunch, or rather brunch on any day of the week! It makes for a great date or if you looking for a place to catch up with old friends that won’t break the bank after the holidays. Bonding over benny is a real thing! Here are a few spots that are either new to Calgary’s brunch scene or are not your classic brunch spots that you have been to millions of times before.
  • Ten Foot Henry
  • Alforno Bakery and Café
  • Phil and Sebastians on 8th Avenue SW
  • OEB Breakfast Co. on 5th Avenue SW
  • Bridgette Bar
  • Starbelly Open Kitchen + Lounge
  • Vendome
  • Monki
  • Anju
  • Charbar
  • Native Tongues Taqueria
See also
DH Calgary StaffDH Calgary Staff

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